Special Forces Helicopters Grounded To Save Money

29.11.2009

It is being reported that a number of helicopters that have been supporting UK Special Forces (UKSF) in Afghanistan have been grounded due to budget cuts.

As reported earlier in the year, UKSF have been flown to and from missions by MI-8 Russian-built helicopters. More details have been revealed about their role, which was supporting Special Boat Service (SBS) operations, particularly counter-narcotic missions. Code named Operation Emperor, these missions involved the SBS training, mentoring and operating alongside a special Afghani commando unit. Op Emperor was supported by 4 Mi-8 helicopters, owned by the Afghani military and flown by pilots from RAF 7 Squadron Special Forces flight.

It now emerges that the funding for these helicopters have been withdrawn due to penny pinching by the Foreign Office, a revelation that has confounded and angered commentators.

The SBS involved with Operation Emperor were flown into action by Afghan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC) Mi-8 / Mi-17 helicopters like the ones shown here. It's likely that they were outfitted with secure communications such as SATCOM gear and defensive countermeasures such as AN/ALQ-144 infrared jammers.